Planning your trip to the Southern Hemisphere for a skiing holiday is a daunting prospect but be prepared to find the best places to ski with our guide in Australia’s most popular ski resorts. The South Australian Alps, the world’s second largest ski resort, provides some of the country’s best skiing and snowboarding from the beginning of June through October. Here are our top picks from Jim’s Self Storage in Melbourne.
Mt. Buller
Mt. Buller, a three hour drive from Melbourne, is a comfortable choice for inbound travellers. Melbourne’s massive Sydney International Airport is situated in the heart of South Australia, only a few miles from the city of Adelaide, enabling you to travel out of town for about 6 hours to easily fly to one of Australia’s best ski resorts.
For just a few buses leaving Sydney, the best choice is to take a bus to Canberra+, where you can book a ride to the snowy mountains quickly. When you’re from Canberra, the lesser-known national capital, the trip just takes 2.5 hours and you’re flying to Sydney International Airport for a fast detour to one of Australia’s finest resorts.
Mt. Buller is from Melbourne just three hours away, and if you don’t mind an early start, you can get there in less than an hour! Pro skiers go south, where they’ll find the blue slopes (read: rough and scary), while novice skiers like to go up the red slopes and down the mountain’s north side. Mount Hotham is located about 700 kilometres (eight hours) southwest of Sydney, and is one of the most popular ski resorts in Australia.
Many who have never seen a pair of skis will catch a Discovery Pass that includes lessons and access to eight lifts for beginners. Throughout the slopes you can even rent equipment and ski for free, taking advantage of seven lifts that take you around the mountain with excellent ski conditions and views. Flights to the mainland are easy to catch for skiing while exploring the natural wonders of this picturesque area.
Mt Baw Baw
Just a convenient day trip from Melbourne, Mt Baw Baw is an ideal destination for those looking to escape the city and hit the slopes without the commitment of a long journey. It offers a family-friendly atmosphere and a variety of runs that cater to both novice and experienced skiers. Its proximity to Melbourne makes it perfect for a spontaneous day out in the snow.
Perisher Ski Resort, NSW
Whether you want to venture interstate, Perisher provides many peaks and nearly 50 lifts that hit hundreds of trails in New South Wales.
It provides stunning ocean views, dolphin swimming and even spectacular views of Sydney Harbour, if the conditions are correct. Skiers and boarders will ascend four peaks without ever getting to the station in the valley. There are four separate ski lifts available altogether.
Mount Hotham
Mount Hotham is rightly celebrated as Australia’s powder capital. It offers a range of runs for beginners to advanced skiers and stunning alpine views. For those seeking a thrill, Mount Hotham’s challenging slopes provide an exhilarating skiing experience, making it a favourite among seasoned enthusiasts.
Mt Hotham hosts many enthusiastic skiers, with slopes for beginners, novice and intermediate skiers. Experienced skiers can enjoy stunning views, as well as a number of ski and cross country routes.
As you plan your ski trips around Australia, consider the convenience and security of using competitively priced storage units for your snow gear. Jim’s Self Storage offers flexible solutions to keep your equipment safe and in top condition, ready for the next season. Seasonal storage not only frees up space at home but also makes it easier to manage and access your skiing essentials, ensuring you’re always prepared for the first snowfall.